Sintesi dell'editore

Mavra Chang was once a master criminal, notorious throughout the galaxy. But for 11 long years she has been trapped in a nonhuman body on the Well World - the master control planet for the universe, where untold numbers of strange races exist, separated by barriers erected by the mysterious, vanished race that built the Well World billions of years ago.

Orbiting the planet is a planetoid concealing Obie, a supercomputer that could restore Mavra Chang to her original form - if she can reach it. Unfortunately, the only spaceship on the planet is hidden in the northern hemisphere, a place no living creature can survive. She soon learns that her enemies are plotting to eliminate her, steal the ship, and escape from the Well World…. But many others have planned her demise before, and Mavra Chang is still alive and well - which is more than can be said of those who once wished her ill.

I am Mavra Chang, Bride of the Stars

The best part is the zany world that Chalker has created. It's sci-fi, fantasy and a mind boggling display of creates and world building. Amazing.

What other book might you compare Quest for the Well of Souls to and why?

I can only compare this to other Chalker books. He is a very unique author. I can only remotely compare him to John Varley in terms of his imagination and scope of the worlds he creates. Some readers might not like him though. He sometimes provides alot of detail on items that never come into play. That doesn't both me. To immerse yourself in Chalker is to take a leap into the unknown. Its escapist entertainment at its best.

What about Peter Macon’s performance did you like?

He really grew on me. In the first Well World book I thought he was so droll I would fall asleep. Then I realized he was playing many characters and that droll delivery was the narrator, so it was at some level comforting. I think he did a fantastic job and would not trade his performance with anyone.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Interesting. This book was one where i did. I drove a long distance and listened to to at once. It was fun.

Any additional comments?

There is something about Chalker that harkens back to a time in Sci Fi that was not dependent on snappy plots or fighting/action. He builds complex worlds that are intent on opening your imagination up to new ideas...some of which are philosophical and some are decidedly not. I wish Audible would make the entire Well World Series available, if you read this review let them know! I have....

2 people found this helpful

Generale

3 out of 5 stars

Lettura

4 out of 5 stars

Storia

5 out of 5 stars

Mark Hancock

20/02/2020

Great story with a lot of caveats...

Ok, I’ve purchased all three of the series available on Audible, which should tell you that the story, at least, captured me. And it was interesting & enthralling, most of the time.

I’ve seen a couple of other reviewers mention that it seems dated, and maybe so, in terms of language. Today, terms like “ robot guards” seem quaint. Now it would be “drone sentinels “ or something.SPOILERS AHEAD.

The fundamental problem I had was the lack of depth in conveying his emotional intent regarding several characters. In this particular book, part 3, the things done to Mavre (& almost all of the women throughout the book) were absolutely monstrous, with Marvre being the worst. But her supposed allies were complicit in a lot of that, too, with only a rudimentary sense of guilt associated with their actions & no consequences for their complicity! At least book one had some sort of judgment finale. In this one, even her own grandparents got over their own guilt when they discovered they’d collect a bounty meant for Marvre! Plus, Marvre’s own reactions to the things done to her & the condition in which she was forced to remain didn’t gel with her strong personality & code.

And Ortega. He especially deserved a “come to Jesus” reckoning, but again- crickets.

All of that said, I don’t regret my purchases. I enjoyed the story a good deal. It just bugs me when important story elements don’t align as they could, or should, and so it seems a bit less satisfying.

Peter Macon has a strong, rich voice, and overall, I’d welcome listening to him again, although he sometimes blended character voices throughout the series. A good editor should have caught that early.

Generale

4 out of 5 stars

Lettura

5 out of 5 stars

Storia

4 out of 5 stars

Victor Hernandez

14/06/2018

Suspenseful

This story in three books was outstanding. I'm ready for the next instalment. hopefully there just as good!

Generale

4 out of 5 stars

Lettura

4 out of 5 stars

Storia

3 out of 5 stars

G. Parish

29/03/2018

Drags a bit

This one drags a bit, but in the end it was a pretty good tale...just a bit long winded.

Generale

4 out of 5 stars

Lettura

4 out of 5 stars

Storia

4 out of 5 stars

Chris

05/09/2017

Great Ending

I found myself enjoying book 3 as much as I enjoyed book 1. All loose ends are tied up here and there is still an opening for the series to continue with the same characters.

Generale

5 out of 5 stars

Lettura

5 out of 5 stars

Storia

5 out of 5 stars

Rawleigh D. Armes

13/01/2017

Keep the Well World saga going

now everything in the universe has been explained. there's at least two more books that Peter Macon needs to do following this line. masterful job of narration mr. Macon thank you

Generale

5 out of 5 stars

Lettura

5 out of 5 stars

Storia

5 out of 5 stars

Robert Seif

06/12/2016

Excellent performance

Excellent performance of the book. One of my favorite authors. looking forward to hearing another one.

Generale

5 out of 5 stars

Lettura

5 out of 5 stars

Storia

5 out of 5 stars

Richard Aristegui

06/08/2016

great book. long time fan of of the week series

great book. long time fan of of the week series.read the series first back in the mid 80's.completely enjoyed listening to the audio book.

Generale

4 out of 5 stars

Lettura

4 out of 5 stars

Storia

5 out of 5 stars

Finsch

30/01/2016

Marvra Chang

Great Sci fi, she's of its time. Mavra Chang stands out as one of science fictions great characters. I liked the narrator. For the most part he did a first rate job. His attempts at accents were a bit painful at first, but i got used to it quickly.

Generale

5 out of 5 stars

Lettura

4 out of 5 stars

Storia

4 out of 5 stars

Bruce

13/08/2013

Book 3 of Jack L. Chalker signature series.

All the Well World novels are brilliant. There is even one out there I haven't read yet. I'm looking forward to listening all the way through. "The Sea Is Full Of Stars," was the last one I knew about. (Many of these novels have been out of print for years.) Read Midnight first and be assured if you like it, you should keep going. Jack once told me he never wrote series, just really long novels that had to be broken up into pieces. Some of the Well World books are like that. If you have just discovered this series, keep going, it is wonderful to have them back in print, and in audio versions as well. I've read most of these several times and these audio books are fresh and new to me. I think Jack would be very pleased with them. (I'm a bit biased having known the author if you can't tell... His voice went silent way too early but he left a lasting legacy to the world.)